Gaia House is one of the largest residential meditation centres in Europe based in South Devon, England. Arout 1,500 people from all walks of life and backgrounds attend group and personal retreats here each year, practising meditation in an atmosphere of silence. They are supported by a residential team of eight volunteer coordinators and a permanent team of paid staff.

Work retreat program for volunteers

Work retreats are suitable for  individuals who have previous silent retreat experience and an established meditation practice.

A work retreat consists of five hours of physical work and at least four sessions of meditation a day. One day a week is set aside as a retreat day. From the second month, as a work retreatant you will be entitled to two additional retreat days per month for each month completed.

Work retreatants are supported by a facilitated weekly group meeting with the resident teacher when scheduled, as well as meeting individually with teachers. Work retreats are undertaken and continued with the agreement of the teacher.

During group retreats, you are welcome to participate in the group retreat schedule as your work allows.

A minimum of two weeks commitment is required, up to a maximum of three months. There is a maximum period of 4 weeks for your first time on work retreat at Gaia House. Work retreats start and finish on a Sunday.

Gaia House has five work retreatant places, which are assigned to the departments of Maintenance, Household, Kitchen and Garden. Work retreatants need to be flexible and prepared to work within any department, which requires support.

An initial booking fee and deposit of £65 is required when you apply. £15 of this is a non-refundable booking administration fee and £50 is a deposit which is refunded on satisfactory completion of your work retreat. Your deposit will not be refunded if you cancel your booking or do not complete your work retreat for the dates agreed with your application.

Guidelines

• Please respect the silent atmosphere in the house and the grounds at all times.
• Switch off all electronic devices (mobile phones, iPads, laptops, Kindles etc.) for the duration of your retreat.
• Avoid making telephone calls and sending emails/post during your stay.
• Consumption of drugs (except prescription medications), cigarettes and alcohol is not permitted during your stay at Gaia House.
• This includes all areas in the house as well as the garden and the grounds.
• All retreatants are asked to abstain from sexual contact whilst on retreat.

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